Hilda and the Midnight Giant

Hilda has always had a knack for making friends with mysterious creatures, until invisible elves try to evict her and her architect mother from their beloved, cozy mountain home. In this marvelous follow-up to the comic book Hildafolk, Hilda returns with her blue hair, pointy nose, oversize red boots, little pet, and zest for life. While her home is in danger of being smashed by the people of the Northern Elven Valley, Hilda’s mother insists they can move to the city. One day, Alfur the elf shows herself to Hilda, who can finally see them after signing a stack of paperwork. Throughout the process of seeking out the mayor, prime minister, and the king in order to save their home, Hilda keeps seeing a dark and hairy giant at night who is taller than mountains, which adds to even more unanswered questions. Pearson’s whimsical artwork—a cross between Lucky Luke and Miyazaki—creates a magical spell of a mysterious world of hidden creatures, and the production of the book make it a treasure in itself. The story—comparable to the Adventures of Polo series by Regis Faller and Copper by Kazu Kibuishi—never flags in imagination or wonder. Ages 10–14. (Apr.)